Stephanie Temma Hier in ‘North by Northeast’ at Kasmin Gallery

The unlikely combination of a snake and carrots and the media of painting and ceramics in Stephanie Temma Hier’s sculpture/painting at Kasmin Gallery both attracts and puzzles.  Hier’s diverse combinations of imagery have included ceramic greyhounds with painted blueberries and sculptural lips enclosing a 2-D image of tulips; generally her juxtapositions prompt consideration of how the natural world has been mediated by human consumption.  Titled ‘At the Root of the Curve,’ this painting links root vegetables to sinuous forms via algebra terminology.  (On view in Chelsea through Aug 13th).

Stephanie Temma Hier, At the Root of the Curve, oil on linen with glazed stoneware sculpture, 67 x 57 inches, 2021.

Hassan Hajjaj at Yossi Milo Gallery

Outstanding for its color and energy, Hassan Hajjaj’s ‘My Rockstars’ installation at Yossi Milo Gallery features photos of performers, musicians and friends that have inspired the London & Marrakech-based photographer/designer.  Shot in pop-up studios around the world with patterned textiles and mats for background, Hajjaj creates or styles each outfit.  Borders composed of small-scale commercial products, like the canned tomatoes surrounding Canadian artist MissMe, blend creativity and commerce.  (On view through May 29th.  Masks and social distancing are required).

MissMe, Metallic Lambda on 3mm Dibond in a Wood Spray white Frame with Tomato Cans, 52 inches x 37 inches x 2 ¼ inches, 2018/1440.

Curtis Talwst Santiago at Rachel Uffner Gallery

A tiny, parched figure gasps for water, a protesting crowd descends to a pool of water and here, an overloaded boat of migrants braves choppy waters in dramatic ring box dioramas by Canadian artist Curtis Talwst Santiago. Seen in Lilliputian scale, Santiago’s characters seem to be at the mercy of the elements and other forces beyond their control as they struggle onward. (At Rachel Uffner Gallery on the Lower East Side through Jan 8th).

Curtis Talwst Santiago, Deluge VII, mixed media diorama in reclaimed jewelry box, 6 x 4 x 4 ½ inches, 2016.
Curtis Talwst Santiago, Deluge VII, mixed media diorama in reclaimed jewelry box, 6 x 4 x 4 ½ inches, 2016.

Edward Burtynsky at Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery

This stunning aerial view of irrigation systems in Cadiz, Spain is part of Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky’s Water series, which examines human use of the planet’s most valuable resource, specifically as it is harnessed for aquaculture. (At Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery in Chelsea through Dec 23rd).

Edward Burtynsky, Salinas #2, Cadiz, Spain, chromogenic color print, 2013.
Edward Burtynsky, Salinas #2, Cadiz, Spain, chromogenic color print, 2013.

Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller

Stay near the wall and the room is silent; approach the table and light sensors detect your presence, setting off a cascade of sound from an array of 72 bare speakers. The effect of Canadian sound artists Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller’s ‘Experiment in F# Minor’ is magical – a musical experience created for us to create. (In Chelsea at Luhring Augustine Gallery through June 11th).

Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller, installation view of ‘Experiment in F# Minor,’ 72 channel audio installation including speakers, photosensors, and wooden worktables, edition of 3 and 1 artist’s proof, 96 1/8 x 72 x 30 inches, 2013.
Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller, installation view of ‘Experiment in F# Minor,’ 72 channel audio installation including speakers, photosensors, and wooden worktables, edition of 3 and 1 artist’s proof, 96 1/8 x 72 x 30 inches, 2013.